Category: 5779

Different Names!

During the last year that the Jews traveled through the desert, they began advancing towards the Land of Israel. To reach their goal they had to pass through occupied lands. The most direct option was to travel through the land of Seir, which was ruled by the King of Edom. The Torah relates that at …

Continue reading

How Much Blue!

The Torah describes a disturbing episode that occurred while the Jews were traveling in the desert. Korach, a man from a prestigious Levite family took issue with his cousin Moshe, claiming that Moshe had appointed his brother Aaron as the high priest on his own volition, not by the command of G-d. Korach wanted the …

Continue reading

Flip-Flop!

Traditionally, during the seven days that follow the wedding of a newly married couple, celebratory meals are hosted by family and friends. These meals are called Sheva Brochos, because at the conclusion of the Birchas Hamazon – grace after meals, six special blessings directed to the groom and bride are recited over a cup of …

Continue reading

Centerpiece!

The Torah portion begins with G-d telling Moshe to instruct Aaron that he and his descendants will have the distinct privilege of kindling the Menorah in the Temple each day. The golden Temple Menorah was fashioned of seven branches. Pure olive oil was used and the wicks were generally taken from the retired worn out …

Continue reading

Colors & Flavors!

The Tribe of Levi was designated as the representative of G-d and the Jewish people to serve in the Temple. The Kohanim, Aaron and his descendants, were chosen to perform the actual Temple services and functions, such as the sacrifices and offerings. The rest of the tribe of Levi were watchmen of the Temple, the …

Continue reading

Cancel the Appointment!

Toward the end of the Parsha, the Torah tells us that if one wishes to donate the value of his ‘soul’ or the value of another person’s ‘soul’ to the Temple treasury he can take such a vow. The Torah sets a fixed Shekel amount that the one who made the vow must give towards …

Continue reading

Rhythm!

Our Parsha begins with the Mitzvah of Shemitta – the Sabbatical seventh year when it is prohibited to plant or make improvements in gardens and fields the Land of Israel. It is also prohibited to do commerce with what grew wild in the fields. During the Shemitta year; the land is considered ownerless – thus …

Continue reading

Launched!

We are currently in the seven-week counting period between Pesach and Shavuos, known as Sefiras HaOmer – the counting of the Omer. Today is the 26th day of the Omer count. The Torah in this week’s portion describes the Mitzvos pertaining to the counting of the Omer. When the Jews entered the Land of Israel …

Continue reading

Fill Up!

The Parsha begins with G-d commanding us, Kedoshim Tihiyu – Be Holy! The question is to what degree does G-d expect us to be holy? The Medrash relates, you may think that G-d wants us to be as holy as Himself, therefore the verse concludes, I am G-d. My Holiness is beyond all. So what …

Continue reading

Tomorrow is…

This Shabbos, before the Mussaf service, we will bless the new month of Iyar and announce that Rosh Chodesh will be Sunday and Monday. When Rosh Chodesh falls out on a Sunday a special Haftorah which opens with the words, “Tomorrow is the Chodesh,” is read. Before describing what the Haftorah deals with, an introduction …

Continue reading